SODIUM

Sodium is one of the three macro-minerals present in the human body. Sodium, potassium, and chloride together are known as electrolytes that are essential for maintaining the water balance in the body.

What is the role of sodium in the body?

Sodium (Na) is an important constituent of the fluid present outside and inside the cell. Proper concentration of sodium is necessary to maintain osmotic balance and keep the cell in proper shape.

Maintains blood volume: The total amount of sodium in the body affects the amount of fluid in the blood (blood volume) and around the cells.

Transport: Sodium helps in the transport of glucose and amino acids in the body.

Nervous and muscular system: Sodium is critical in signal transmission across the nerve cells, muscle contraction, and relaxation. 

What is the dietary requirement of sodium?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Sodium (Na) as per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is:

What are the food sources of sodium?

Dietary sodium intake has 3 sources:

1. Sodium in small quantities present in natural foods (very low amount)
2. Sodium added in form of salt in the kitchen or at the table (moderately high amount)
3. Sodium is added to food in form of preservatives in processed foods. (Very high amount).

2.5 grams of salt comprises of 1gram sodium.

Naturally occurring sources of sodium are milk, meats, eggs, and most vegetables and fruits. The commercially prepared foods have the highest sodium content like chips, popcorn, pizza, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, etc.

What are the signs of sodium deficiency?

The serum concentration of sodium is normally regulated within the range of 135 to 145 mmol/per liter. 

 Hyponatremia or sodium deficiency is defined as a sodium level less than 130 mmol/liter. When the sodium level in the body falls below 120mmol/L, symptoms such as headache, confusion, seizures, and coma can occur. 

Globally, the most common cause of sodium deficiency is acute diarrhea. There is a shift of water from cells to the extracellular compartment leading to sodium deficiency.

Hyponatremia is common amongst older adults, particularly those living in long-term care facilities or hospitals. People under long-term medications or having chronic health conditions can deplete the sodium levels in the body. Excess vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating can also cause hyponatremia. At times excess fluid accumulation in the body can also lead to hyponatremia like heart failure or liver cirrhosis. In certain renal disorders where the kidneys are unable to excrete excess water, just drinking more fluids can cause hyponatremia. 

Symptoms of hyponatremia can include: 

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Headache

– Altered mental state/confusion

– Lethargy

– Seizures

– Coma

Sodium deficiency is unlikely in healthy individuals. True sodium depletion is seen only in pathological cases such as kidney diseases, adrenal insufficiency, chronic diarrhea, extensive burns, uncontrollable vomiting, diabetic ketoacidosis, and extensive use of diuretics.

Can excess sodium cause toxicity?

High sodium levels in the blood are termed hypernatremia. It occurs when serum sodium levels are above 145mmol/L. The initial symptoms include irritability, lethargy, and restlessness. Seizures and death may occur when plasma levels rise above 160 mmol/L.

Hypernatremia occurs with loss of water that is disproportionately greater than sodium and is associated with excessive sweating and hyperventilation.

– Table salt is most widely used and is extracted from underground salt deposits. It is heavily processed to remove impurities, which may also remove trace minerals. To prevent the formation of clumps, an anticaking agent such as calcium silicate is added to the table salt. 

– Sea salt is produced by evaporating ocean or seawater. It comprises mainly sodium chloride but can contain small amounts of minerals like potassium, zinc, and iron. 

– Himalayan pink salt is harvested from the mines in Pakistan. It gets the pink color from small amounts of iron oxide. It contains small amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

– Sodium and potassium are closely interconnected but have opposite effects on the body. Both are essential minerals that play key roles in maintaining fluid balance. Both sodium and potassium are linked to cardiovascular disease. High sodium intake increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, while high potassium intake can help relax blood vessels and excrete sodium while decreasing blood pressure. The human body needs more potassium than sodium.

– Both, sodium, and potassium are linked to cardiovascular disease. High sodium intake increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, while high potassium intake can help relax blood vessels and excrete sodium while decreasing blood pressure. Human body needs more potassium than sodium.